Jane Austen's 'Emma' is a wonderful blend of humorous blunders, quirky characters and her trademark romance. Unlike many women of the time, Emma Woodhouse has no interest in marriage. At least, not for herself. She's got her hands full taking care of her eccentric father, but she's more than happy to matchmake for her many friends, whether they ask her to or not. After successfully marrying off her former governess, Emma takes it upon herself to improve her new friend, Harriet Smith, and make an advantageous match for her. When her plans to marry her to the village vicar, Mr. Elton, go horribly awry, Emma vows to take the valued advice of her dear friend, Mr. Knightley, and give up matchmaking. However, when Mr. Frank Churchill, the stepson of Emma's married governess, rides into town, things get complicated. Emma fancies herself in love and she isn't sure she likes the feeling. But when Frank abruptly leaves town, Emma realizes she was never really in love at all and maintains that view even after he returns. In fact, she's so far from being in love that she's thrilled when Harriet alludes to having feelings for him herself. But when Emma finds out who Harriet actually has feelings for, she's horrified and finally comes to know her own heart for the first time.
True to form, Jane Austen paints a sometimes poignant and sometimes hilarious portrait of Victorian England. Emma is a strong and willful heroine who tends to let her fancy run away with her to disastrous results. Despite her egregious errors in judgment, readers will still find Emma endearing and anxiously await her realization of her own feelings. The assembled cast of characters is unique and distinctly written, and their many adventures will entertain readers till the very last page. Austen's subtle social critique is acute and biting, and her established fans will not be disappointed in her unique style of writing. Her sarcasm and wit contrast strikingly against the prim background of the English upper classes. Austen has created yet another strong heroine that, despite her faults, is intelligent and has the best of intentions at heart. In an era dominated by men, Austen carved a place for herself and her heroines that has withstood the test of time.
Casey Blackwell
Emma
Jane Austen's 'Emma' is a wonderful blend of humorous blunders, quirky characters and her trademark romance. Unlike many women of the time, Emma Woodhouse has no interest in marriage. At least, not for herself. She's got her hands full taking care of her eccentric father, but she's more than happy to matchmake for her many friends, whether they ask her to or not. After successfully marrying off her former governess, Emma takes it upon herself to improve her new friend, Harriet Smith, and make an advantageous match for her. When her plans to marry her to the village vicar, Mr. Elton, go horribly awry, Emma vows to take the valued advice of her dear friend, Mr. Knightley, and give up matchmaking. However, when Mr. Frank Churchill, the stepson of Emma's married governess, rides into town, things get complicated. Emma fancies herself in love and she isn't sure she likes the feeling. But when Frank abruptly leaves town, Emma realizes she was never really in love at all and maintains that view even after he returns. In fact, she's so far from being in love that she's thrilled when Harriet alludes to having feelings for him herself. But when Emma finds out who Harriet actually has feelings for, she's horrified and finally comes to know her own heart for the first time.
True to form, Jane Austen paints a sometimes poignant and sometimes hilarious portrait of Victorian England. Emma is a strong and willful heroine who tends to let her fancy run away with her to disastrous results. Despite her egregious errors in judgment, readers will still find Emma endearing and anxiously await her realization of her own feelings. The assembled cast of characters is unique and distinctly written, and their many adventures will entertain readers till the very last page. Austen's subtle social critique is acute and biting, and her established fans will not be disappointed in her unique style of writing. Her sarcasm and wit contrast strikingly against the prim background of the English upper classes. Austen has created yet another strong heroine that, despite her faults, is intelligent and has the best of intentions at heart. In an era dominated by men, Austen carved a place for herself and her heroines that has withstood the test of time.
